A HAMPSHIRE food group has worked with a trio of colleges across the county to inspire the next generation of chefs.

Hampshire Fare CIC, has helped three colleges deliver a series of talks about the benefits of a career in hospitality.

These include City College Southampton and Eastleigh College, as well as Basingstoke College of Technology.

With the help of executive chef at The Ritz London, John Williams MBE and Darren Seward, Sector Lead for Hospitality & Food and Drink, NFU Mutual, the online talks took place at the three college's at the end of February.

Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager at Hampshire Fare who organised the events said: "At a time when there was so much negativity around hospitality due to the impact of lockdown, we wanted to provide input into students training for a career in hospitality to show them how vibrant and rewarding the industry is!"

Darren Seward helped to deliver three separate sessions to each college covering the importance of local food and drink for successful independent hotels, pubs and restaurants, whilst John Williams MBE delivered a talk to 107 attendees about his experiences in the industry.

The chef said it was a "privilege and an honour" to be asked to take part.

He added: "I also consider it our duty to do these things as they are our future.”